Getting started: About Basel
- Basel is a Swiss city with an interesting blend of modern and traditional architecture.
- In addition to world-renowned museums, the city features a young, vibrant art scene.
- Basel is a green city, home to spaces such as the Rhine Riverbanks and the Botanical Gardens.
- The BaselCard entitles the holder to free public transportation and discounts at tourist attractions.
- Basel, set in the heart of Switzerland, France, and Germany, offers an opportunity to visit multiple countries and cities.
Visit the Basel flights page to plan a trip to this historic and charming city in Switzerland.
Places to visit in Basel
Sometimes called the “City of Museums”, Basel is indeed a city of storied museums:
- We certainly suggest adding the world-famous museum Kunstmuseum Basel to your list of places to visit in Basel. The Kunstmuseum is one of the longest-running modern art museums and houses one of the oldest art collections.
- Fondation Beyeler, another prominent museum in Basel, features a rich events calendar that includes exhibitions, tours and special programs.
- The Tinguely Museum, located on the banks of the Rhine River, exhibits the works of Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely. Visitors can also enjoy various events at the museum ranging from classical music concerts to workshops.
- Another entry to add to your list of places to visit in Basel is Basel Abbey, an emblem of the city. Considered one of the most important examples of the city’s Gothic architecture, the monastery houses the tomb of Erasmus, the 16th-century philosopher.
- Basel’s famous town hall, the Rathaus, is among the city’s most important historical buildings. Known for its dramatic tower and red façade, the Rathaus also contains sculptures, paintings and other artworks.
- The city has numerous landmarks, including the notable Mittlere Brücke historical bridge, a popular destination for tourists.
- To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, stroll to St. Alban-Tor, a medieval city gate and today one of the most beautiful corners in Basel. The picturesque area features narrow streets and historic buildings.
- If you’re looking for entertainment, head to Kleinbasel, the city’s shopping and nightlife district. In addition to the area’s lively squares, markets and restaurants, Claraplatz street is particularly known for shopping.
- Zoo Basel is notable as the first zoo in Switzerland. Housing hundreds of animal species from every continent in the world, Zoo Basel is also involved with various wildlife protection projects.
- For edible souvenirs of your visit to Basel, hit the Markthalle food market, featuring organic local and regional products, as well as food stalls.
Transportation in Basel
Urban transportation in Basel
Basel has a robust and well-developed public transportation system that includes various tram and bus lines; you can even travel to certain cities in France and Germany via public transportation. You can access buses and trams via the BaselCard.
Airport transportation in Basel
Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport serves Basel, as well as the city of Mulhouse, in France, and Freiburg, in Germany. The airport is approximately six or seven kilometers from the Basel city center. If you’re driving, signs at the airport direct drivers to exits for Germany, France and Basel.
You can plan a trip by visiting our affordable flights to Germany page.
Dining in Basel
Basel is a terrific city for discovering – and dining on – Swiss cuisine. We recommend sampling the country’s legendary chocolates and Basel’s signature honey cookies, as well as Swiss, French or Italian versions of fondue. Coffee aficionados will feel at home in Basel, a city where coffee is among the most popular hot drinks.
Routes from Basel to Germany and France
As Basel is on the borders of Switzerland, Germany and France, you can easily visit interesting points in all three countries; most visitors do not require a separate visa to enter France and/or Germany. Take advantage of the efficient public transportation and hop on a train or a bus to reach the areas of Switzerland, Germany and France that are close to Basel. Start exploring with the route suggestions listed below!
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, a lovely intersection of natural and urban life, is 86 kilometers from Basel. From Lake Zurich, in the city’s southeast, you can take a boat trip with a view of the Alps; Zurich also is home to numerous historical buildings and museums, and a rich culinary culture. Zurich is about an hour by train from Basel and about an 80-minute drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Bern, Switzerland
In the heart of Switzerland, Bern is the gateway to the Alps. Few cities have preserved their history as successfully as Bern: Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring narrow streets, historic towers and old fountains that offer a glimpse of the Middle Ages. Bern is about an 80-minute trip from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Known for its stunning landscapes, Lucerne is set above a lake surrounded by mountains. The famous wooden bridge that connects the city, the car-free old town, and the iconic historical buildings are some of Lucerne’s most noteworthy elements. Lucerne is about an hour’s train ride from Basel and about a 90-minute drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Rheinfall, Switzerland
If you make it to Basel, you’re close to the largest waterfall in Europe. The spectacular Rheinfall (Rhine Falls) offers breathtaking views – along with a unique perspective on how nature has shaped our world. In addition to boat tours, there’s an observation deck in the middle of the water. The best time to visit the Rheinfall is between May and June, and it’s about a 90-minute drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Gruyeres, Switzerland
The small, picturesque town of Gruyeres, dating from the Middle Ages, offers visitors both gastronomic and cultural highlights, among them Gruyères Castle, emblematic of the region. You can also enjoy regional dishes at one of the town’s cozy traditional eateries. Gruyeres is about three and a half hours by train from Basel and about a two-hour drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken is at least partially responsible for Switzerland’s reputation as one of the world’s most tranquil landscapes. Situated between two famous lakes, this gorgeous holiday destination has views of the Swiss Alps and is a great base for exploring the famous Swiss countryside. You can reach Interlaken by train from Basel or by car from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport in one hour and 50 minutes.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Set in a stunning Alpine landscape, the mountain village of Grindelwald offers a wide variety of activities amid unspoiled nature. The ski resorts here host a total of 160 kilometers of pistes, with around 30 lifts reaching up to 2,500 meters in altitude. In addition, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails attract nature lovers throughout the year. Grindelwald is reachable via train from Basel, and is a two-hour drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Nestled in a picturesque valley, this lovely village and its surroundings are home to rushing waterfalls and colorful meadows, as well as hiking trails and toboggan runs. One of the best addresses to get lost in Switzerland’s legendary nature, Lauterbrunnen is between two and two and a half hours from the city of Basel and from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Freiburg, Germany
This university town on the border of the Black Forest has many museums and historical buildings to explore. Approximately 70 kilometers from Basel, Freiburg is about a two-hour trip via public transportation and about a 55-minute drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Schwarzwald, Germany
The Schwarzwald, also known as the Black Forest, welcomes thousands of visitors annually, who come to hike, trek and engage in other outdoor activities. The Black Forest is reachable via public transportation from Basel and is about an hour’s drive by car; from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport, the Schwarzwald is around two hours’ drive.
Europa Park, Germany
Europa Park, one of the largest theme parks in Germany and in Europe, houses more than a hundred activities and welcomes millions of visitors each year. Europa Park is accessible via bus from Basel and is about an hour’s drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Rulantica, Germany
Adjacent to Europa Park is Rulantica, a sprawling 450,000-square-meter water park. With a theme inspired by Scandinavian legends, Rulantica caters to adults and children. In addition to a hotel, the park features water slides, giant wave pools, and spa facilities such as saunas and steam baths. Rulantica is about an hour’s drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Strasbourg, France
Known for its quaint wooden houses and delicious cuisine, Strasbourg’s cultural highlights. are also notable. Reachable via public transportation or private vehicle, Strasbourg is about 90 minutes’ drive from Basel.
Mulhouse, France
This charming city in the heart of France has an interesting history, stunning architecture and a vibrant arts scene as a host to numerous museums, art galleries and historical buildings. The Cité de l’Automobile, the world’s largest automobile museum, is also in Mulhouse. Mulhouse is about a 35-minute drive from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Ribeauville, France
This beautifully preserved, medieval-era town has picturesque city walls, half-timber houses, stately castles, and squares with Renaissance-style fountains. Ribeauville is just a short drive from Basel and about an hour by car from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport.
Colmar, France
A French town known for its historical buildings and natural beauty, Colmar, on the west bank of the Rhine, offers riverside walks and great art museums. It is also one of the best day trip routes from Basel – it’s just a 50-minute drive to Colmar from Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport and a two-hour train ride from the Basel city center.
Alsace, France
Alsace, on the eastern border of France, is in the west of the Upper Rhine region. With highly developed agriculture and viticulture, Alsace is a hybrid of German and French cultures. This breathtaking region with beautiful natural landscapes is about 96 kilometers from Basel and accessible via train.
